Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ competition in the NL East; Max Scherzer named in lawsuit + more Nats links...

Before the New York Mets acquired Francisco Lindor this week, Nationals’ reliever Daniel Hudson was on MLB Network Radio discussing where Washington stood in the pecking order in the NL East as the start of Spring Training 2021 approaches. Do the Nationals, a year after missing out on the postseason and two years after winning it all, have a shot going into the ‘21 season?

“I feel like we can hang with anybody,” Hudson said, “... obviously, the Mets are looking to make a bunch of big moves. They’ve got a really talented ballclub over there, obviously the pitching staff is lights out, the starting rotation. The Braves, really good as well. Their lineup last year was probably the best in baseball, at least that we faced. It was unreal to try to navigate that lineup. Especially in the ninth inning. I did not have such great fortunes with that last year, especially with them. It’s definitely going to be a dogfight, man. You’ve got the Marlins are really good and just a really tough division, man. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but I think we’re up to the task and I think we’re going to hang with those guys.”

What about the Phillie— eh, whatever, go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Time for Turner to get his due (and his dollars) - (MASN)
"Now for something that might surprise you: Lindor and Trea Turner have the exact same career OPS of .833."

Mets’ trade for Francisco Lindor may force Nationals’ hand with Trea Turner - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals have Turner signed through the 2022 season, after which he’ll become a free agent for the first time in his career."

Inbox: Soto, Turner contracts; Rainey's role - (MLB.com)
"Last month, the Nationals tendered contracts to 2020 MVP Award vote-getters Juan Soto and Trea Turner. The deadline for arbitration exchange is coming up on Friday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. ET."

A comparison of free agents Brantley, Pederson and Schwarber - (MASN)
"The hot stove buzz recently has focused on the Nationals looking at free agents Michael Brantley, Joc Pederson and Kyle Schwarber to take over the corner outfielder spot vacated by the departure of Adam Eaton."

Nationals have options for a big bat to hit between Juan Soto, Josh Bell - (NBC Sports Washington)
"So even after trading for former All-Star first baseman Josh Bell — who comes with his own set of pros and cons — the Nationals would benefit from dipping into the free agent pool..."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

NL EAST UPDATES:

MLB rumors: A massively important factor in Phillies re-signing J.T. Realmuto is still undecided - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Implicit in the idea of re-signing J.T. Realmuto is the thought that you can make the playoffs and/or contend during his remaining prime years."

What could a Francisco Lindor extension cost the Mets? - (SNY - YouTube)
"SNY's Jim Duquette breaks down what it could cost to sign shortstop Francisco Lindor to an extension."

Inbox: Will Chisholm start at second base? - (MLB.com)
"[Jazz] Chisholm, whom the Marlins acquired from the D-backs in the Zac Gallen trade, saw his first taste of the big leagues in 2020."

Inbox: How to protect Freeman in lineup? - (MLB.com)
"When he won the NL MVP Award, he credited the opportunity to bat between leadoff hitter Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozuna."